Drought Fears: 38 Establishments in Pune District Told to Cut Water Use by 20%
Pune, 20th October 2026: With drought concerns looming, the state water resources department has directed 38 government and private establishments in Pune district to reduce water consumption by 20% to conserve dam reserves and ensure drinking water availability until the next monsoon.
The list includes the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations, industrial areas, 11 gram panchayats, educational institutions, factories, residential complexes and other establishments. Authorities have warned of action against those failing to comply.
The Khadakwasla dam chain currently holds around 25 TMC of water, nearly 12% less than the corresponding period last year, raising concerns over supplies in the coming months.
Kiran Deshmukh, executive engineer of the Khadakwasla division of the water resources department, said water allocation was being planned based on storage levels across 88 dams. Names of establishments that fail to implement the prescribed cuts will be forwarded to the district collector for further action.
Drinking water supply will receive the highest priority, officials said, as the department seeks to manage limited reserves until the next monsoon.
Meanwhile, the revenue department, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd, police and water resources department will jointly crack down on unauthorised water extraction and wastage. Pumps and motors used for illegal extraction will be seized, while electricity connections may be disconnected in cases of water theft.
Establishments have also been advised to use treated sewage wherever feasible for gardens, construction and industrial processes to conserve potable water.
